Unused toners and cartridges are inevitable in an office environment, whether because of an upgrades of printers that renders old items obsolete or an excess stock of toners and cartridges that may be lying in your inventory. Whether these products have passed the stamped expiration date or can still be used, you can turn them over to willing buyers for cash.

Identify Buyers

Conduct research to identify potential buyers for toners and cartridges. Sales leads can be found by searching online or in the phone book. For each company, determine what they typically buy, so you know whether they can take all your stock, including the expired or damaged ones. Most buyers will grade them before giving you a valuation. Alternatively, you can list your stock on commercial sites like eBay.

Make Contact

Gather the necessary details about the toners and cartridges you hope to sell, such as the quantity, brand names, model numbers and their condition -- whether they're expired, open-boxed, damaged, clearance or obsolete products. Provide this information to the buyer. Some companies prefer you fill out these details on their website. The buyer should get back to you with a valuation of your stock, so that you make the decision whether or not to go ahead with the transaction.

Prepare for Shipment

Once you have an acceptable valuation for your products, prepare them for transportation. For items that can be re-used, leave the labels or stickers on the exterior of the packaging intact. Pack them safely to avoid causing further damage during transit, which could decrease their overall value. Use the original carton boxes they came in, corrugated cardboard or containers lined with bubble cushioning to protect the items. For large quantities, place the shipping box on a pallet to ease handling.

Delivery and Payment

Depending on your location, some buyers may prefer to pick them up, while others will offer free shipping or reimburse the costs. You also can make arrangements to deliver them yourself to ensure the units are received in good condition. Once the products have been checked and verified by the buyer against the information you supplied earlier, you can expect payment to be made on the agreed terms.

About the Author

Dr Jack Gordon, the Chief Technology Officer at Strontium Logistics, is a 20-year veteran of the engineering and marketing business who favors stiff drinks, good debates and developing innovative digital marketing strategies to help companies grow.